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NEWS
SANTA BARBARA NEWS-PRESS
SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2023
American Riviera Bancorp sees increase in income By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR
American Riviera Bancorp did better in 2022 than the previous year. The company this week announced an unaudited income of $13.5 million ($2.37 per share) for 2022. That’s up from $11.8 million ($2.09 per share) in 2021. American Riviera Bancorp is the holding company of American Riviera Bank, a Santa Barbarabased bank with branches in
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LOMPOC — The Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce plans to host a chamber mixer and open house Feb. 9 at CALM. The event will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 110 South C St. The chamber describes the mixer as a place to make new friends, enjoy snacks and drinks, and be entered for a chance to win a local prize. You can also meet the team at CALM, tour office and therapy
email: dmason@newspress.com
spaces, and learn about how CALM is serving families throughout Lompoc. CALM’s mission is to prevent childhood trauma and heal children and families. CALM envisions safe communities where every family is supported and every child thrives. Those planning to attend the mixer are asked to RSVP by Feb. 3 by calling 805-741-7460 or emailing smclean@calm4kids.org. For more about CALM, go to calm4kids.org. — Caleb Beeghly
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ratios, strong credit quality, and a balance sheet supported by local deposits from relationship clients,” said Jeff DeVine, president and CEO of the company and bank. “The Federal Reserve’s actions to date to increase rates and remove excess liquidity from the financial system have only modestly decelerated loan growth and increased funding costs,” Mr. DeVine said in a news release.
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Santa Barbara, Montecito, Goleta, San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles. The company’s unaudited net income was $4 million ($0.70 per share) for the three months that ended Dec. 31. That’s up from $2.7 million ($0.49 per share) earned during the same period in 2021. American Riviera Bancorp said the increase is primarily because of loan growth, increased interest income on liquid assets and a strong deposit base. “We are pleased to report improved profitability, continued loan growth, expanding capital
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Kathy Janega-Dykes, president and CEO of Visit Santa Barbara, provides industry updates before the large audience.
Visit Santa Barbara partners with UCSB to offer Hospitality Management curriculum TOURISM
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• Older travelers are the wealthiest travelers. Mr. Reid added that 24% of older travelers self-report handicaps, both physical and mental, so accessibility is a key factor. On the other hand, there are also some potential “disruptions” this year. Mr. Reid mentioned that the media’s negativity can make people less likely to travel, American household savings are at 2%, and credit card debt is higher now than it has been in two decades. The “metaverse” is gaining traction. But just as businesses are itching to get back into the swing of things, people are wanting to travel – despite natural disasters, Mr. Reid said. After a natural disaster happens in a place, experts project how long it will take for people to want to travel again to that location. Mr. Reid conveyed that the time is much lower than
has been projected. For instance, an unnamed town was hit by a hurricane. Mr. Reid said it was projected that it would take 110 days for tourists to return. But tourists returned after one week. People want to travel, but they want it to be easy. Mr. Reid boiled down the consumer’s wants to three things: control, reliability and leadership from brands. People do not want to go on vacation to just build more stress, but people look to hospitality companies to remove the stress for them, he said. For instance, despite it being the Digital Age, usage of travel advisers went up 20%. These three consumer priorities seem to be a result of COVID-19 and its restrictions, but it is also an indicator that people are looking to connect with people. They want to see people and talk to them because they haven’t for so long. According to Mr. Reid, 64% of people prioritize brands when
purchasing products and 91% of people think that authenticity is one of the most important factors for brands. As a result, Mr. Reid suggests corporate social responsibility. In addition to the report of trends, Visit Santa Barbara revealed its plans for stimulating growth in the hospitality industry. One plan is a “Third Night Free” deal at participating hotels. (Hotels can still participate by contacting VSB.) Visit Santa Barbara has also partnered with UCSB to create and teach a Hospitality Management curriculum. There is a one-day workshop that is launching in the spring, and there will be a weeklong boot camp and certificate program that are still being developed. If you are not interested in taking a Hospitality Management program, Visit Santa Barbara is also looking for certified teachers. email: cbeeghly@newspress.com
Tips on buying a home in 2023 JONES
Continued from Page A5 of your competitors with this information is critical. • Partner with a lender and explore ways to lower your interest rate: Down payment assistance programs, rate buydowns, buyer concessions, receiving multiple quotes, ARMs, and refinancing are a few of the many ways to achieve lower interest rates. A great lender will be committed to helping you navigate your options. Part of our job as real estate agents and your trusted advisers is to help you partner with a lender that is well-versed in these areas. Getting preapproval for a mortgage is an integral part of the home-buying process and speaking with a lender will help you determine the monthly payment you can afford. Preliminary conversations come with no strings attached, allowing you to explore your options
confidently. • Breathe. You got this. It’s Santa Barbara. Chances are if you look outside right now, the sun is shining, you’re sitting somewhere between the ocean and a stunning mountain range, and you are in a position to be considering purchasing a home. With the above knowledge, a little confidence, and the right team on your side, your dreams will come true. Wishing you a beautiful 2023. Alyssa Ann Jones is a Realtor with Village Properties along with her partner John Sener (together: Sener Jones Associates). With family roots in Santa Barbara dating back to 1878, Ms. Jones deeply connects to and understands what makes this community special. Together they offer 40 years of experience and a unique, trusted and powerful brand of expert knowledge with an extensive suite of services. For more information, go to senerjonesassociates.com.